After suffering a foot injury that required surgery in preseason practice, Mandeville (La.) linebacker and Penn State commitment Michael Mauti was relegated to the role of cheerleader on the sidelines. But the time has come for the 6-foot-2, 220-pound all-state middle linebacker to finally see the first action of his senior season.

Mauti returned to the practice field in a limited capacity on Tuesday, but has not participated in full contact drills.